OMG!!!!! I have not touched a sewing machine in 35 yrs and when I received this machine I was a bit intimidated by it but within 20 min. (I kid you not) I was sewing like I knew what I was doing!! I LOVE this machine, very user friendly, just read the booklet and followed along and I had absolutely no problems. I also bought the universal carry case with it but decided to send it back (thanks Amazon for making that process very, very easy), the case was way too big for the machine. This machine does come with a cover that will work for me when I go to quilting class. Thanks again Amazon for making this purchase worth every dollar!!!

Bottom line - it isn't a $[...] machine and doesn't sew like one, but it is enough like one to make the price feel like a big bargain!

I am a sewing machine junky, or so my husband says. I didn't really need a new sewing machine last year, but my 8 year old wanted to start sewing. I had the $1000 machine and I had the older harder to use models. I needed something fairly cheap, but easy to use so that she could get her shot at things.

I researched fairly heavily and landed on the Brother CS6000I.

First, the machine was reasonably priced and came with tons of equipment. I like that I didn't have to go buy a flat table for quilting or all the various feet involved with that. I also appreciate the hard cover that came with it.

Second, it is easy to use. The bobbin winding is well marked, as is the threading of the machine. Picking the right stitch is easy - and there are 60 to choose from (kind of sort of - arguably, there are only about 58 or so, but that is getting picky.) There is a speed control, which was great for DD since she could set things up to stitch slowly at first. The manual is readable, but still a sewing machine manual, so a bit limited in usefulness.

Third, it is lightweight - and easy to move around.

OK - cons -

It doesn't feel like there is as much room to the right of the needle as some of my other machines. I think it has to do with the shape of the body - the curve kind of eats into your space if you have half a queen sized quilt rolled up so you can stitch on it.

There isn't much light, despite the fact that the brag about how bright the light is. However, I have a desk lamp set up to light the back of the machine and another on the left and I have all the light I want. It really isn't a big deal.

It doesn't have some stitches that I like - like a good blanket stitch for putting on binding. However, I have found other stitches that essentially do the same thing.

Anyway - I didn't get my daughter to use it as much as I intended. But, I have made several quilts on it this year and have enjoyed it much more than I ever expected. The money was well spent and knowing what I know now, I wouldn't hesitate to buy this machine again.

I think this sewing machine is great. My daughter got it for Christmas and was in the middle of a quilt project when she got sick... too sick to finish it. She needed to get the project done, so I decided to help her. I've never in my whole life ever tried a sewing machine. So, I got out the manual and followed the directions step by step, and got the machine working with no problems whatsoever. I will say that I could NOT figure out the automatic threader, so I've been threading the needle the old fashioned way, which I just chalked up to inexperience. Anyway, I ended up finishing the quilt and then making 2 more! This thing sews through the fabric with no problem... 2 layers of fleece and a layer of warm and natural batting. Now I'm totally in love with sewing... it's great fun... and I'm very pleased with this sewing machine! Even though I personally don't have a machine to compare it to, my daughter took sewing lessons on a $1000 Husqvarna, and she said this Brother feels sturdier and the only difference she could tell was that there are fewer stitches to choose from. Also, this came with a little case full of feet and bobbins and a seam ripper and various other things. I doubt we'll ever use them since I don't have clue what they are, but I guess it's nice that they are there should we ever need them! I don't think you can go wrong with this for the price. It has been great for us!

easy to operate. stitches accurate. loved everything except the display is not backlit so a little hard to see but overall a very good buy

This machine is "dummy proof." It is really simple to use and has a great selection of stitches. I love it!